Giveaways and Offers

Monday, 18 March 2013

Product photography Offer: Exclusive to Directory members

10% off workshop prices if booked before the end of May 2013

We have all been having an interesting discussion over on the facebook page about product photography. Lots of people took the time to add their thoughts and answer the poll which we really appreciated, thank you.Most people felt that they had a good idea of what made a great product shot, although they felt they did not always get the best out of their equipment or set up. Some people did not feel taking shots with IPhones gave them the desired outcome.Last year I bought myself a DSLR and thought it would solve all my problems with product photography. I even got a light box for Christmas! With each new gadget, photography becomes more complicated. To be quite honest I do not have the time to read manuals and practise until I remember where each function is on my camera! I barely get the manual open to the index before someone needs my undivided attention.I have plans for this blog that go beyond writing thoughts and sharing hints and tips, if these plans are to develop then I need to brush up on my photographic skills! I did not know how this would happen and then along came Tina, of Tina Bolton Photography Ltd!Tina runs a page called Cameras and Cake

Tina runs photographic workshops. You can visit her website by using the link below. Tina has designed a three hour workshop that mixes photography and cake. Mmmm, cake. Sounds perfect...you don't get to eat straight away though! The cake is used as a prop during the workshop, providing you with endless opportunity to fine tune your skills with Tina's expert tuition.

Needless to say I shall be booking myself on one of these very soon! Book before the end of May to take advantage of the 10% discount.

Sunday, 17 March 2013

I don't profess to be an expert by any stretch of the imagination. I have been on a steep learning curve in recent weeks and thought I could use the blog to share small hints and tips to make your life a little easier!!
People have told me that they find out how to do things by accident and lots of people just don't know where to start. Lets all journey through the technical minefield together.... guest bloggers most definitely welcome for this section of the blog! Tagging your page!It may seem simple to those in the know but there are plenty still unaware of this simple technique. This is an easy way to increase your business visibility whilst posting from your personal account. Please use this technique whilst on the Portsmouth and South Downs page as it helps us put a name/face to a business page, in turn helping us all to genuinely get to know and support each other.Step1: Click on the comments bar under a post to add your comment.Step 2: Type the @ sign at the start and then begin typing your page name.Step 3: A drop down box will appear click on the relevant page to add your business name to your comment.Visual instructions below....

Please remember page etiquette and do not tag your business on a page that produces similar items, this will not make you many friends!

Saturday, 16 March 2013

I better introduce myself.... I'm Eliza, I live in Portsmouth and have a passion for traditional British crafts. I am a weaver by training and love the thought of making an item that will be used for many years to come. Needless to say I live in a two up two down with a growing family and don't have the space for a loom but my passion for traditionally handmade items continues. I enjoy encouraging and supporting others and the directory is an ideal space to do this. So how did it all start..The birth of Portsmouth and South Downs Handmade Directory came shortly after the birth of my second son. I wanted to shop locally, handmade and sustainably for the Christmas period but due to the little fella it was hard to get out to local craft fairs. I used Facebook as a tool for networking and occasionally selling craft myself so I knew there was a wealth of talent but found it impossible to access local pages. I realised that a directory would help local people find local businesses and would provide an alternative avenue to shop hand made.The Portsmouth and South Downs Handmade Facebook page has been inundated with requests to join from the moment it was created. We have the privilege of adding an eclectic mix of makers daily from artists and illustrators to chain saw sculptors and lots in between. I am proud that larger businesses are also taking us seriously and asking to join the directory. Recently Karen from Okeapple agreed to co admin the page with me and the pace has quickened yet again!The future vision for the page is developing and is quite exciting, face to face networking opportunities and marketing spots at local craft fairs to name a few. Karen and I are not brave enough to put a photo of ourselves on here but we look forward to chatting and getting to know you in the months ahead.

About Me

I am a Textile Art teacher and designer maker. I am in awe of nature and take inspiration from the world around me. My aim in my crafting life is to produce completely hand made, sustainable and original products using solely British components. I’m a little way off this goal but I’m enjoying the creative process in the mean time!